Busted – the 7 biggest myths of investing

Think investing is only for the rich? You’re not alone.

There are many myths about investing that simply aren’t true. Understanding what these are will help you become a savvy saver and get your money working much harder for you.

Investing is only for the wealthy

Wrong! You can get started with a small amount and build it up by making regular top-ups. In fact, the sooner you start making regular top-ups the better because the interest you make on your growing investments can make a significant difference to your total over the long-term.]

You need specialist knowledge to be a successful investor

Using an online advice tool from an independent financial adviser like Prosperity IFA means you don’t need any special knowledge. Our easy-to-use interactive online tool will guide you to make the right investment fund choice for you, with the peace of mind that your decision is safeguarded by the fact it’s a product offered by an independent financial advice firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

I need a large lump sum before I get started

You can start investing in a tax-free stocks and shares ISA using our online advice tool with just £1,000. Topping up your investment regularly with smaller amounts gives you the opportunity to increase the interest you get on your investment over the long term.

I need to speak to a financial advisor before getting started

Getting advice from a qualified financial advisor can be incredibly valuable and have a big impact on your potential returns. However, if you’re investing less than £20,000 per year and plan to leave it there for three years or more, a tax-free stocks and shares ISA that you can buy online is a great option. Choosing one using our online tool means you’ll get the backing of a specialist financial advice firm but without the need to speak with an adviser directly.

Banks offer good deals for tax-free ISAs

There are lots of different options for investing in an ISA, not just through the banks. Most high street bank cash ISAs currently pay very low interest rates that are below the rate of inflation. This means the real value of your savings is actually falling, not rising. If you’re prepared to trade off some risk for higher potential returns, a stocks & shares ISA could potentially earn you a lot more interest, particularly if you’re happy to invest for three years or more. Our online investing tool is easy to use and will help you choose the right type of ISA for you.

Investing is too risky

While there is some risk in any investment linked to stocks and shares, you do have the ability to choose how much risk you’re willing to accept and, importantly, how much risk you can afford to take. As well as shares – or equities as they’re also called – there are other options that can offer less risk, such as government bonds. These are the equivalent of you lending money to the government for a guaranteed return.

Many ‘stocks and shares’ ISAs use these as part of their mix of investment options. When it comes to risk, it’s important to remember that while we hear about stocks rising and falling in value, if you’re investing for a number of years, the long-term performance of ‘stock market’ investments has historically risen in value.

You need to try and ‘beat the market’

“Sell high and buy low” is the holy grail for investors but it’s a fool’s game. The truth is it’s ‘time in the market’, not ‘timing the market’ that leads to successful investing, particularly when it comes to stocks and shares. Banks certainly have their place for small amounts of short term savings, but if you’re looking to make your money really work for you over the long-term, it’s well worth adopting an ‘investor’ rather than a ‘saver’ mentality and exploring your options.

Now you know the facts about investing, you should check out ourOnline Investment Tool to see what options are available to you.